Weekly Guiding Teacher Reflection

Dear Common Ground Friends,

I aspire to relate wisely and tenderly to all the strong social and political winds that are moving in our world. Dharma practice naturally leads to greater intimacy and sensitivity with all things, and as the practice deepens it also reveals a lessening of attachment to our views and favored outcomes. I have found that the practice doesn’t offer specific answers to difficult questions, but does allow for a more nimble navigation and skillful engagement in life that is supported by the lessening of certainty and fixed views. Does the dropping away of attachments make us a less functional and caring human being? Does it lead to disconnection and indifference? Is the experience of non-attachment enlivening or deadening? Ajahn Chah refers to this insight as realizing, “The reality of non-grasping.” Perhaps this is both a true refuge for our heart and a skillful way to set good in motion.

Tenderness and moral sensitivity work hand in hand with the deepening wisdom of non-attachment, leading to a whole-hearted engagement with life. Without compassion and wisdom working together, our way of engaging the world tends to create more suffering all around. Let’s remember, non-attachment is not the same as non-engagement. The wisdom of non-attachment is only realized in the context of a sensitive engagement with life. When we are attached to avoiding the messiness in life and holding tight to our views and opinions, we lose our connection with life as it is. Freedom, wisdom, and love are found in moments of fearless engagement minus our ancient habits of attachment. We transform our hearts and world by cultivating and abiding with this deep and tender understanding.

Peace,
Mark Nunberg
Co-Guiding Teacher